List of Top Oldest and Everlasting Religions of the World
Let us see who comes in the list of the world's oldest and everlasting religions? First of all, the first name that must be coming to everyone's mind is Islam, which is the biggest religion in the world, or the 2nd largest religion Christianity – but no. Although Islam and Christianity are the biggest religions in the world, but they are not the oldest religions.
In the list of the world's oldest religions, the first one that comes is "Hinduism" — According to Scriptures and Upnishad (oldest text) and Great scholars, Hindu religion was emerged between 2300 BCE to 1200 BCE. "Hinduism" is a Sanskrit word which means "Sanatan Dharma" or "Eternal Religion". Well known old scripture of Hinduism include the Mahabharata, the Ramayan, the Upnishad, the Puranas, the Vedas. The major population of India is Hindu – In Hindu religion, God is worshipped by burning earthen lamps.
It is believed that Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is the incarnation of Hindu God Krishna. According to the texts there are three Gods who created and runs the world — "Brahma" who created the earth and the universe, "Vishnu" who moves the world and is present in every particle, "Mahesh" called as "Shiva" who has no end or origin. In India, "Kumbh Mela" which is a gathering, is held every three years. "Kumbh Mela" is held repeatedly in four different cities - Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Allahbad.
Mind-Blowing Facts about "Hinduism"
• Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world after Christianity and Islam.
• There are 1.1 billion Hindus in the world which is 17% of the world's population.
• The holy book of Hindus "Rig Veda" is the oldest book in the world which was written 3800 years ago.
• 9 out of 10 Hindus believe in God and 3 out of 4 Hindus believe in reincarnation.
• In 2013, "Kumbh Mela" was held in Allahbad which was celebrated by 30 million pilgrim and it was the biggest gathering in the world.
2. Judaism, Israel
Judaism is the 2nd oldest religion in the world, although currently in the entire world there are very followers of Judaism called as "Jews". Judaism is the 2nd oldest religion after Hinduism and is 4000 years old. It is believed that the establishment of Judaism religion took place in Israel between the 9th to 5th Century BCE. Majority of Jews believe that their "Messiah" or God has not come yet, but one day he will definitely come. Majority of Jews live in the United States and Israel.
According to the text, God first revealed himself to a Hebrew man named Abraham, who became known as the founder of Judaism. In Judaism, reading the Holy Book "Torah" is considered very sacred — According to the old jewish texts, studying the Torah is believed as "experience of God."
Notable, Facts about Judaism or Jews
• Judaism is one of the largest minority religions in the world. Judaism has only 12 million followers worldwide.
• When a Jewish turns 13 or 14 years old, then they have to takes part in a ceremony called "Bar Mitzvah." In which the Torah is read and then a big party is held.
• The Holy Land of Jews is Israel because it started from there. Jerusalem City of Israel is like a pilgrimage for Jews.
3. Buddhism, East Asia
Buddhism religion is also known by the name of Buddha Dharma or Dharma Vinaya, the founder of Buddha Dharma was Saint Gautam Buddha. Buddhism is the 4th largest religion in the world with 520 million followers. Buddhism originated in the Eastern Gangetic Plains in the 5th century and then emerged in Asia via the Silk Road.
In Buddhism, Gautam Buddha's teaching and enlightenment are taught to people. The main aim of its religion is to provide enlightenment to people and make their lives successful. It was Gautam Buddha who introduced people to the 12 laws of karma.
Memorable Facts about Buddhism
• Buddhism strongly believes in Karma or Action, “Your actions sow the seeds of your future; what you give, you shall receive" buddha marked.
• In Buddhism, Buddha Purnima is celebrated on the auspicious occasion of the full moon day of the Buddha which is also known as Vesak.
• 99% of the followers of Buddhism live in the Pacific region which includes countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos.
4. Zoroastrianism, Persia Modern day Iran
Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world. It was founded by the prophet Zarathustra in ancient Persia (now Iran) around the 6th century BC. According to scholars, Zarathustra lived between 1500 and 1000 BC.
Even though Zoroastrianism is a very ancient religion, But now their population is negligible. As of 2018, now only 1 lakh to 2 lakh Zoroastrians are left in the world. Nearly half of the Zoroastrian population lives in India (70,000) and 1000 in Pakistan.
The formal establishment of the religion of Zoroastrianism occurred when the teachings of Zarathustra ( Prophet of Zoroastrianism ) were collected in a book called "Avesta". Zoroastrianism religion remained prominent in Persia till the 7th century, after which it declined.
Remembering, Facts About Zoroastraianism and it's Culture
• Zoroastrianism celebrates a new year separate from the standard calendar called "Nowrus" for renewal and fertility.
• The influence of Zoroastrianism can be seen in the major religions of the world like Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
• Fire temples serve as centers of sanctity and worship in Zoroastrianism.
5. Daoism, Around China
Daoism religion, also known as Taoism, originated in China in the 6th century. In Daoism, practices like meditation are taught to gain control over the mind and maintain inner peace. The origins of Daoism were around the 6th to 4th centuries BCE. Its foundational text is considered to be the teachings of Lao Tzu of Zhuangzi. The major impact of Daoism Practices can can be Clearly seen in Chinese culture.According to estimates by the World Religion Database, there are only about 8.7 million Twisters left in the world, with the majority of Taoists living in China and Taiwan.
Amazing Facts about Daoism
• Daoism emphasizes harmony with Dao, the cosmic principle underlying existence and nature.
• The philosophy of Taoists has significantly influenced the core of China's art cultures and spiritual practices.
• A Famous Quote of Lao Tzu, "A man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inner courage dares to live.”
6. Confucianism, Ancients China
Confucianism religion originated in ancient China (nowadays Shandong Province) around the 6th century and then gradually spread to East Asia.
The founder of Confucianism was the great Chinese philosopher "Confucius" during the 5th 6th Century BCE. The downfall of Confucianism religion reached its peak when Qing Dynasty and Communist rule fell in China in 1912. Confucianism is not directly a religion but it is a philosophy system whose influence is currently seen in China, Vietnam, Korea and Japan.
Mind-Blowing Facts About Confucianism
• The teachings of Confucianism inspire virtues such as benevolence, patriotism, and filial piety.
• Confucianism has 6.1 million followers worldwide, this Contributes 0.09% of the World's Population.
• Confucianism contributes 1.3% to total population of China, 75,600 thousand Confucianists live in South Korea.
7. Ancient Mesopotamia Religion, Mesopotamia
Ancient Mesopotamia Religion started from 4th Millennium BCE, Mesopotamian Religion mainly includes Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian Civilization (Modern Day Iraq and Syria). Mesopotamian Religion began with the rise of Sumerian City States around 3500 BCE and was followed until 500 BCE.
The Prominent Gods of Mesopotamian Religion were Enki the God of Wisdom and water, Inanna the goddness of love and war, "Anu" the god of Sky, "Enlil" the god of wind, storm, agriculture and the creator of fates. In Mesopotamian Relogin, it was believed that after life one would go to the underworld where Goddess Ereshkigal rules the underworld.
Notable Facts about Ancient Mesopotamian Religion
• The active practice of ancient Mesopotamian religion has ceased in the last 2 centuries.
• Even though Mesopotamian Religion had almost completely died out by around 500 AD, it still has an influence in the modern world.
• The main reason for the Decline of Mesopotamian Religion is the rise of Monotheism, Christianity and Islam.
8. Ancient Greek Religion, Greece Aegean Islands
The origin of Ancient Greek Religion was in the 4th Century CE, this religion has no single founder. Greek Religion developed from "Animistic Beliefs" and "Cult Parties". During this time, due to the significant surge of Christianity in the Roman Empire, Ancient Greek Religion declined.
Since it does not have any specific religious book or scriptures, today this matter is studied as a historical and archaeological subject. Ancient Greek Religion started in the 4th Century on an Island named "Aegean" near the Greek Mainland. Due to the increase in Christianity in the Roman Empire from the 4th Century, there are no traces of Ancient Greek Religion left in present times.
Memorable Facts about Ancient Greek Religion
• Declined Due to significant Spread of Christianity in Roman Empire, leaving legacy in Roman Art and Culture.
• "Dionysus dramatic performances" and various festivals were celebrated in which the gods were honored.
• Ancient Greek Religion is polytheistic religion that worshiped gods such as Zeus, Athena, and Apollo.
• Sacrifices and offerings were made in honor of the gods.
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